Lt. Col. Loren M. Lundstrom (retired USAF) presents memories from 9-11 attack on Pentagon

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks held a special ceremony today, Sept. 11, to commemorate the lives of those who perished in the terrorist attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.

Members of the community, firefighters from the Western Taney County and Branson Fire Departments, K-12 students from School of the Ozarks, C of O students, staff, and faculty attended the event. The ceremony was held at the Lest We Forget 9/11 Memorial located next to the Point Lookout Fire Department on the College campus.

The ceremony included a welcome by Dr. Brad Johnson, College of the Ozarks president, music from the College of the Ozarks Concert Band, the raising of the 9/11 National Remembrance Flag, a special presentation by the fifth-grade students at the College’s S. Truett Cathy Lower School, and special remarks by special guest speaker, Dr. Loren M. Lundstrom, a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel. He was working in the Pentagon during the Sept. 11, 2001, attack.

“Ceremonies like this inspire the American people to never forget, reviving the spirit of patriotism observed after the 9/11 attacks. I would add that patriotism is not a dirty word. It’s not radical, and it’s not divisive. Patriotism unifies, gives us hope, and inspires us to do great things,” Lundstrom said.

College of the Ozarks recognizes the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as a national tragedy, wherein nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken. The College honors those fallen heroes each year on September 11, so that they are not forgotten.

“We graciously thank those who carefully assembled the memorial and those who pause to remember the sacrifices made,” said Dr. Marci Linson, vice president for patriotic activities and dean of admissions.

On September 11, 2015, the College dedicated the “Lest We Forget” 9/11 Memorial. This memorial includes one of the last remaining remnants of the World Trade Center structure. This was made possible by Vietnam Veteran, retired FBI agent, and College of the Ozarks Patriotic Education Travel Program participant, John Ligato. Ligato worked with Tommy McHale, a retired police officer, who donated this piece of steel to honor the 37 fallen men and women officers from the Port Authority for New York and New Jersey who perished on 9/11. The structure is referred to as “St. Michael’s 37.” St. Michael is considered the patron saint of police officers and represents strength to face the threat of evil and imminent danger.

Students were an integral part of the dedication service. Fourth grade students from the College’s S. Truett Cathy Lower School made a special presentation to the families of the fallen. College students representing law enforcement, firefighting, and the military unveiled the steel beam, which is the centerpiece of the memorial.

More about Dr. Loren M. Lundstrom

Dr. Loren M. Lundstrom, a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, served as today’s guest speaker. Starting in 1983, Lundstrom’s military career began with intelligence support during the Marine Barracks bombing in Beirut. This extended to roles like intelligence coordinator during the Bosnia conflict, overseeing counterterrorism and investigations. As director of intelligence for the US 13th Air Force, Lundstrom’s responsibilities included monitoring Asia-Pacific military threats, engaging with allies, and reporting on terrorism. Amid 9/11, Lundstrom was stationed at the Pentagon where he participated in subsequent actions like Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NOBLE EAGLE. Lundstrom’s career concluded at CIA Headquarters as the executive officer for the Associate Director of Central Intelligence for Military Support, managing coordination between Defense and CIA for Afghan and Iraqi operations.